First Lady Michelle Obama Gets Green Thumb, Pens New Book

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama has written a book about edible gardening, part of a push to promote nutritious, edible gardening as a way to keep America eating well.

In the upcoming American Grown: How the White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities, the first lady chronicles her own experiences planting an edible garden in the White House, which, according to a press release, was inspired by her daughters and a desire to change the family’s eating habits.

American Grown will go on sale April 12, 2012. The book focuses on nutritious, affordable food, champions sustainable food and supports farmers’ markets. Obama also suggests ideas for readers to plant their own gardens, as a family or as a community.

“Since entering the White House, Mrs. Obama has emerged as a passionate advocate for healthful eating and exercise,” Crown Publishers said in a press release Monday. “American Grown will speak to these issues which Mrs. Obama has strongly advocated for, in particular, making better food choices. It will also include practical ideas, recipes, and resources as well as tips on how to begin a garden of any size, anywhere and how to support local farmers' markets.”

Obama is well-known for promoting healthy eating and better nutrition. She has pledged to fight the nation’s rising obesity rates and pushes for healthier school lunches.

Mrs. Obama received no advance for the book and will donate all proceeds to a charity or charities to be named later, a press release stated. The book will be available at bookstores and on Amazon.com.

The publisher of American Grown, Crown Publishers, was contacted for comments for the story, but no one responded by press time.